So, EastEnders has a new Asian family. And, guess what, they're really Westernised and the daughter's a hottie. It seems we have lost interest already, however, as the news (oh joy) has just been announced that Rickaaaay and Bianca are set to return to Albert Square. Once again, we will be treated to market-stall screechings and stormy recriminations.

Mechanic Ricky Butcher (played by Sid Owen) returns with a new fiancee, while Bianca Jackson (Patsy Palmer) is back from Manchester with a gaggle of children in tow. The last we saw of the star-crossed lovers was a one-off in 2002, when the former husband and wife came across each other in Manchester, where Bianca had decamped with their child after swearing undying love. It wasn't to be, though, and Bianca tearfully let Ricky go, opening up a whole world of possible comebacks.

It's a no-brainer on the show's part. Last year, ratings for EastEnders were at an all-time low. But, just for once, wouldn't it be nice if a soap opera actually introduced new characters with verve and staying power rather than digging up the oldies?

When ratings were flagging in 2003, EastEnders wheeled in Dirty Den again in the most anticipated return of all time. Den had left in 1989, apparently killed by The Firm (and witnessed by more than 20 million viewers) but in reality was just hiding to protect his family. The show received the largest ever audience for a soap on Christmas Day 1986 when Den handed over divorce papers to his wife, Angie. Then, in 2003, after a brief lull in excitement and another dip in popularity, Den walked into daughter Sharon's nightclub with his catchphrase, "Hello, princess" in front of a reported 16 million fans, constituting 62% of the viewing public.

Other soaps have revived former characters under the pressure of falling ratings, too. In 2004, baddy-businessman Paul Robinson returned to Neighbours after a seven-year stint in jail for fraud and a severe dip in the ratings. While the most spectacular revival of them all was Bet Lynch's second Rovers return.

All these revivals have made more impact on the ratings than the addition of any new character. The reason? It's like a family member returning from prison versus a new friend. With a new friend you have to make the effort to find out all about them and decide whether you like them. With a family member returning from prison you already know what they're like - all that remains is to be shocked and appalled at their behaviour. Is it any wonder programme-makers opt for the easy option every time?